independence – autonomy – self-determination

Back to Bowie’s

Despite the best intentions of some, the referendum is going to be the all consuming backdrop to this years Edinburgh Festival. But as well as infiltrating every bar room conversation and every stand up show, and even having managed to break through the Charlie and Lola vibe of the Book Festival, there are a load of indyref dedicated shows and venues. Be-straddling these like a giant beast is All Back to Bowie’s, the cabaret-meets-constitutional-culture-zone that runs from 1-24 August every lunch time at the Stand in the Square. This is a giant Yes Yurt that will be the epicentre for all Yesness after the valiant Yestival crew have collapsed in a post-coital heap.

When Bowie used his surrogate at the Brits to plead: “Scotland … stay with us”reactions varied. The most common, and perhaps unkind one was: “What a fanny”. Other etiquette pedants questioned the lack of “please” in the sentence. Still others thought, let’s set up a fringe cabaret show around the idea.

The evil masterminds behind it all are David Greig, Swimmer One, Cora Bissett, Karine Polwart, Peter Arnott and more, to be joined each day by a gaggle of creative genius including poets, musicians, ranters and more considered commentators of all ilks: “Different guests every day make for an hour of gentle thought and hard day-dreaming. If you’re obsessed with indy, undecided, federalist curious, or polymorphously politically perverse you are welcome.”

Each day is themed around a Bowie song or lyric. So, as a random flavour (full programme will be posted soon):

As a very special offer for Bella readers we are offering £4 tickets for every All Back To Bowie’s show if you quote offer code Bowie1. Call The Stand box office, book at The Stand website, or come along to St Andrews Sq box office in person to take advantage of this deal.

4 replies

I was never keen on Bowie,indifferent probably the best I could be.I never did understand all those who “raved” about him,then again I was never one for mind altering drugs,and that I think is the key.